A square of carpet with a border of hard wood brought to a high polish, or even a painted border or denim or some similar material is preferable to a carpet covering the entire floor and tacked down. Besides the greater attractiveness it is much more cleanly, as this can be taken out of doors for frequent beating.

Of the different grades Ingrain is the cheapest. It is loosely woven, and although its wearing qualities are surprising considering the price, it is not the wisest choice for those who may choose. The dirt goes through it easily. Pleasing colors are difficult to secure as these carpets are colored with chemical dyes which are less soft and pleasing in effect than the vegetable dyes, which are used in the best grades. Ingrain carpeting is more suitable and serviceable for chambers than for living rooms. It is reversible.

Tapestry comes next in value, resembling Brussels on the right side but having a canvas back with colors on one side only. This wears fairly well.

Brussels carpeting is heavy, with colors on both sides. It wears excellently well and generally proves best for ordinary use. The Brussels carpeting has an uncut pile Cut pile carpets are called velvet carpets, as the Axminster and Wilton. The Wilton wear admirably well, and are very satisfactory in colors and patterns.

In buying by the yard the Ingrains are usually a yard wide, while Tapestry, Brussels and Velvets are but 3-4 of a yard. In practicing strict economy much may be saved by buying short lengths, small patterns or old styles.

Small patterns, sober colors and indefinite designs are more artistic, cheaper and more serviceable than the opposite. One should endeavor to secure a generally pleasing effect in a carpet so that the room for which it is designed will be made attractive without one's being especially conscious through what means the effect is produced. A carpet with striking pattern and color which arrests and holds attention is not pleasing.

Rugs or squares should not have borders seamed at the corners. The joining should rather be directly across, thus:

A good old carpet can be utilized very satisfactorily by being re-woven by some of the reliable firms which have taken up the business. Even carpeting of different kinds may be used together in this way, if they are all-wool. A difference in color does not matter as the material is recolored as desired.

Ingrain or Kensington squares, as they are often called, are more expensive when real and imported than the American squares. The price is by the yard. The usual size of 6 or 7 1-2x9 feet (2 or 2 1-2x3 yards) costs $4.00 or $4.75 up. By the square yard for carpeting a floor the Ingrain is 7075c per yard.

Smyrna rugs are alike on both sides and are very serviceable. They cost $20 for a rug, 9x12 feet (9'xi2'), $8.oo-$9.oo for a rug, 2x3 feet (2'X3').

Wilton's are most nearly like the Oriental rugs, and are better than some cheap Persian rugs.

Persians, 6'x9' cost $30.00 up indefinitely; Wiltons, 6'x9' cost $22.00 up; 9'x16' cost $36.00 up.

The prices given are not exact for all times and places, of course, but may serve as an indication of relative costs.

Re-made Carpets

Kensington Squares

Smyrnas

Persians